Say Hello to 'Bye Bye Birdie'

One hundred and sixty-five cast members, twenty stage crew workers, six musicians, the art crew, director, choreographer, costumer, musical director, numerous volunteers, four months of rehearsal and very little rest. 

That's what it takes to put on the annual musical at Maplewood Middle School.

But the hardest part of producing the show may be finding just the right — and age appropriate — vehicle to entertain a middle school audience while creating enough parts, on stage and off, to showcase as many talents as possible.

This year that show is "Bye Bye Birdie" — the Tony-award winning 1960 musical with book by Michael Stewart, lyrics by Lee Adams and music by Charles Strouse. Set in 1958, it follows the events surrounding a publicity stunt involving rock and roll star Conrad Birdie (a character inspired by Elvis Presley) as he prepares to enter the army. Lots of snappy tunes ensue, including the memorable "Put on a Happy Face" and "One Last Kiss."

Maureen O'Sullivan (director) and her colleagues Liz Boyd (costumes), Regina Bradshaw (music) and Deb Jacoby (choreography) are the masterminds behind this middle school musical production — shepherding a final cast whittled down from the 207 who initially tried out for the play.

With help from numerous parents, the sets and costumes are made from scratch. Despite the aid, the four leaders have more than enough to do: Language Arts teacher O'Sullivan — in addition to being the director — is also publicist, parent liaison, art director and just about anything else that comes up.

After spending every waking hour for months working on this megashow, what will she do when it's over?

"Sleep."

"Bye Bye Birdie" plays this weekend at Maplewood Middle School on Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased online at the MMS HSA website: www.mmshsa.org or using this order form (return to the MMS Main Office with a check made out to MMS Trust Fund).

All purchased tickets can be picked up at “Will Call’’ on the night of the show.

Questions? e-mail Zaida Pacheco at z.pv@verizon.net.